Upcycled glass coffee jar using Henna Flourish stamps, Nuvo embossing powders & the NEW nuvo crystal drops

Sadly my blog has been neglected of late but that's because I have been a busy bee helping to make samples for Tonic Studio's 1st Anniversary at Hochanda ... boy oh boy are you all in for a treat!

Anyways before I share the aforementioned projects, I was asked by a fellow crafter, (Karen), to explain how I made my upcycled coffee jar in to a decorative light. The project came about as I wanted to showcase the new Nuvo drops on a diverse media - glass in this instance - and their perfect partner for this project, Henna Flourish stamps from the Delicate Detail collection. They work seamlessly together don't you think?

After thoroughly cleaning the jar, came my next dilemma ... how to get clear images on to a curved surface. I tried quite a few different ways to stamp the images: rock-a-block, stamp platform, using my hand/fingers ... I finally found one that worked for me ... my fingers! I used sticky tape to create a loop for my fingers, inked the stamp and then could put the image where I wanted it. I found this way, for me, worked the best as I was applying even pressure when stamping.


Next dilemma -  should the jar be upright when stamping, on it's side stationary or another way? For me, I found it easier to place the jar stationary on it's side, however I did nestle the jar in a cloth or small pillow to stop it rolling! It also allowed me to have a 'free hand' to steady the jar, (just in case). Another added bonus was that I could move the cloth/pillow to where I want it to be and still have the jar in a static position.

 
One of the brilliant things about stamping on to glass or acetate is you can wipe away any errors whilst the ink is still wet, so no panic if the image doesn't come out crystal clear. I found I had to use an anti-static bag but instead of wiping the glass with it, I discovered that I achieved a clearer stamped imaged, if I 'pounced', (tapped), the bag as more chalk dust appeared to stick to the glass. I stamped each image, embossed and then repeated the process. It was a little time consuming but I quickly realised it helped me see where there were gaps that needed filling.

Side note: I stamped with Nuvo Hybrid clear ink.


I deliberately over stamped the design - as to hide any mistakes because it then makes them harder to spot 😏 When I was happy with the design, I drilled a hole in the bottom of the glass to feed the lights through.



Finally it was adding all the Nuvo drops and as a final finishing touch, adding a sequin to the centers of each mandala design. To keep the lights from overflowing, I also decorated the lid too. As it was also an area that the light could flood out, it was great to have it match with the jar.


                             ... lights on ...                                           lights off ....

It was great fun making the light and although the stamping at times could be a little frustrating, it was incredibly rewarding too. Remember there are no mistakes in creating, just another unique design opportunity.

Upcycled coffee jar using Nuvo embossing powders & Crystal drops.

One jar down, several dozen to go ...! What's been your favourite piece of upcycling? Do share by leaving a link in the comments below ,

Lou
x x x


Products and links - click on photos below :



Challenges:
Alphabet challenge - anything but a card
Crafting with friends - anything goes
Creative Artiste - anything mixed media goes
Creative Fingers - anything goes
QKR Stampede - anything goes
Simply Papercrafts - anything goes
More Mixed Media - anything goes
Try it on a Tuesday - upcycle something
Crafter's Castle - anything goes

Comments

KarinsArtScrap said…
it looks beautiful and cheerful Lou
gr karin
Linda Simpson said…
This is fabulous Lou! Love the design and a fabulous piece of upcycling!
Crafty Hugs
Linda xxx
DanyellScraps said…
WOW, Just WOW! Thank you for the tutorial!
I love upcycling and making luninaries out of jars.....so this caught my attention and I love it!!! I have tried stamping on glass jars before but it was so frustrating and I quit...but you have inspired me to try again following your directions. I hope you enter this in Crafter's Castle challenge this month. We have a $100 gift certificate for the winner! Check it out at crafterscastle.blogspot.com :) Hugs...Janie
Meggymay said…
You have given the jar a fantastic make over. Thank you for sharing your recycling with us at Try it on Tuesdays.
Yvonne
That's the most beautiful recycling of a glass coffee jar I have ever seen - WOW!
Thanks a lot for joining Try It On Tuesday!
Happy new week!
oxo Susi
Kate M said…
I love your upcycled coffee jar lamp- it is awesome.
Thanks for the step by step guide on how to make this beautiful creation, I would love to have a go. BUT, I would be afraid of drilling the glass after the time spent stamping and embossing the beautiful patterns on it, for fear of shattering the jar. Did you use any special technique when drilling the glass??
Kate xx
Lou Sims said…
Thank you everyone for the wonderful comments; very much appreciated.

Kate, I did use a diamond tip drill bit especially for glass and made sure it was lubricated during the whole process. In hindsight, should have probably drilled the hole first, under running water, as would have been much easier. I also ensured that the jar was cradled in a soft microfibre cloth to stop it moving around.

Lou
x
Wow, what a transformation! Your finished jar looks amazing, the patterns and colours look so beautiful together - I love it 😀. Thanks so much for joining us at Try it on Tuesday! J 😊
Katie said…
This is awesome
I know this my second comment but I just wanted to say this is absolutely beautiful and creative. You put so much work into it and the results were well worth it. Thank you so much for entering our challenge at Crafter's Castle this month....good luck :)
Hugs... Janie
DT
Crafter's Castle
crafterscastle.blogspot.com
Wow! This does look amazing! Thank you so much for joining us at Try It On Tuesday! Chrisx
Judy McKay said…
Stunning altered jar. Very pretty colours. Thank you for joining us at Altered Eclectics this month. Judy DT
Julie Odil said…
Fantastic, Lou! You are so creative! Thanks for linking up this week at QKR Stampede. Good luck, and I hope to see you again next week. Julie, DT member
FiKenward said…
What a cool idea, Im sure it looks even more lovely in real life. Thanks for sharing with us over at Creative artist mixed media blog.
Priya Satish said…
A very cool stunning project.Thank you for playing along the ATG challenge at the Crafter's Castle blog. - Priya Satish DT